Halifax MZ403 damaged by enemy aircraft, landed at Lissett airfield.
On the night of 7th / 8th March 1945 the crew of this 158 Squadron aircrfat undertook an operational flight to bomb Hemmingstedt. They took off from Lissett airfield at 18.35hrs and released their bomb load over the target area from 9,000 feet at 22.01hrs. Immediately after releasing their bomb load they were attacked by an enemy aircraft immediately after that had attacked a Lancaster. The enemy aircraft scored hits to the Halifax's port fin and rudder. The crew of the Halifax returned fire and claimed it as damaged. Despite the damage the crew landed Lissett at 00.16hrs. The aircraft was soon repaired and used by this crew on 13th March 1945. For their actions both air gunners would later receive DFC or DFM awards which the citations refer to this incident in March 1945.
Pilot - F/O Herbert Roy Harrison Meredith RCAF (J/91021).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Dennis Arthur George Boyden RAFVR (1649517).
Navigator - P/O Daniel Harvey MacKirdy RCAF (J/89429).
Bomb Aimer - F/Sgt Alpine McLean Murray RCAF (J/92480).
Wireless Oeprator / Air Gunner - WO1 Harold Wendell Harper RCAF (R/125954). sgt g r cowan
Air Gunner - F/Sgt George Springham RCAF (R/105695).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt Dalbert Andrew Bower RCAF (R/222291).
George Springham was awarded the DFC for service with 158 Squadron, Gazetted on 20th July 1945. The recommendation for his award stated that "Flight Sergeant Springham has now completed 32 operational sorties as a mid-upper gunner in Halifax III aircraft of this squadron. Of these sorties, 29 have been to targets in the most heavily defended areas of Germany. He was wounded in the head by flak on one occasion and at other times he has only narrowly missed injury. In spite of these narrow escapes, however, he has at all times displayed outstanding keenness, courage and determination to carry the attack to the enemy regardless of any personal risk. On the Hemmingstedt raid of 7/8th March 1945, he assisted his colleague in the rear turret in a successful combat with a Junkers 188 night fighter. The enemy machine had just made an attack on a nearby Lancaster when it turned and attacked the Halifax. Although the Halifax was hit on several occasions, Flight Sergeant Springham kept his guns firing and hits were distinctly seen on the enemy aircraft which broke off the attack and was lost. Throughout this encounter Flight Sergeant Springham was cool and efficient and his conduct was an inspiration to the others in the crew. It is recommended that this non-commissioned officer's outstanding record of operations, his constant courage under fire and his devotion to duty at all times be recognized by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."
Dalbert Bower was awarded the DFM for service, Gazetted on 17th July 1945. The citation stated.. "This airman has completed many operational sorties against heavily defended targets in the Ruhr Valley. During an attack on Hemmingstedt in March 1945, the aircraft in which he was flying became involved in a combat with a Junkers 88. Flight Sergeant Bower opened fire at 800 yards range and gave his captain correct combat instructions. The enemy returned fire and the tail plane and fuselage of the aircraft were hit but Flight Sergeant Bower continued to fire and the hostile aircraft finally broke off the encounter. The courage and skill displayed by the gunner during the incident is typical of the fine fighting spirit with which he has completed many operations.
Daniel MacKirdy was awarded the DFC for service with 158 Squadron, Gazetted on 22nd May 1945.
Alpine Murray and Herbert meredith were both awarded the DFC for service with 158 Squadron, both Gazetted on 20th July 1945.